What a difference.....

What a difference a day makes.  Today we had bright sunshine all day, and with our passive solar airtight little home, used no fuel except for the sun's heat.  Being in a cold wintery climate, a day with no heating bills is a pleasant gift.  This afternoon, while many folks are burning oil, we were so warm we actually had to open the door for ten minutes to let some of the heat out.  It got up to 35 degrees outside, but inside we were close to 80 degrees.  No solar panels, no equipment.  By just building our home facing south, into the side of a small hill, only one small window on the north side, and huge windows on the south side, 6 inch insulated walls, and a well insulated attic, we stay very warm on sunny days. We use our wood stove on other days, and at night.  3 cords of hardwood is all we need.  When the power goes off, we are still warm.  Just imagine how much less oil, gas, and electricity the country would use if every home was built with these specifications?  Wow.  A positive thought to ponder.

Hope you all are comfortable wherever you are.